Washington, DC, August 12, 2016 — The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund is calling-out Senator Marco Rubio for using a quote, alongside anti-LGBTQ advocates, from Task Force staffer Victoria Kirby York to shroud his inaction on LGBTQ rights and the proliferation of guns. The quote was taken from a testimonial given by Kirby York, a native Floridian, at First Baptist Church of Orlando soon after the shooting at the Pulse nightclub that killed 49 people and injured 53. The service mainly with conservative Christians had been described as “transformational,” with many expressing regret for their anti-LGBTQ views and their impact on the LGBTQ community.

"While it’s always flattering to be quoted by a United States Senator, I’m shocked that Senator Rubio used my words in Orlando exactly two months after the Pulse night club tragedy, alongside people whose actions have caused considerable harm to the people whose lives were lost and many others still living with injuries and trauma. If his words represent a change of heart that is translated into actions that support LGBTQ freedom, justice and equality then we wholeheartedly welcome it and the actions that must therefore follow. However, his record and lack of action thus far shows a politician who opposes marriage equality for me and my wife, rejects meaningful legislation to help create a nation free from gun violence, and voted against the Equality Act, comprehensive federal legislation that would protect LGBTQ people from discrimination. He may talk about loving thy neighbor, but when it comes to showing moral and political courage with that love, he has been nowhere to be found. Instead our community has been left with mere words and more grief, pain, and heartache. As a person of faith, I know, that words without action is not faith. I would rather the Senator really listen to what I said as a Christian than use my words to justify sharing a stage with some of the most virulently anti-LGBTQ voices in our country. I invite Senator Rubio to a real conversation that may help him translate the words he invoked into actions that sincerely honor the memory of the victims of Orlando,” said Victoria Kirby York, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund.